The Pearl: Historic African American Section in S/W Florida

● The Pearl ●

(A symbol of love and purity, perfection, high value – the greatest treasure in Paradise, a rare gem.)

It’s said that deals are written on a napkin.  While having lunch yesterday with friends/co-workers, we got into a discussion about mustard on fish.  Ms. G. said, "it’s a tradition in the South to put mustard on fish."  I then asked her where was she from.  She stated, “I was born and raised in Florida,” a place called Pearl City.  Clueless to the name "Pearl City," I asked where it was.  She said, “It’s in Boca Raton, Florida; you never heard of Pearl City?" I said no.  The story starts to unfold.

Right in front of me, I was in the presence of history, African American history.  She proceeded to talk about her parents and grandparents and how the town was formed and designated as an African American section in Boca Raton during early 1915.  Her grandfather was the first resident of Pearl City.  

There were seven African American children attending an all-white high school in her hometown of Boca Raton, six boys and one girl.  Ms. G was the girl, the only African American female in the school.  She received stares from the students as she walked into school wearing a dress with a ribbon tied in the back and took her seat. She felt like a 4^th grade student, a small framed little girl, from Pearl City.   I said to Ms. G. “You were like little Ruby as she entered Central High School in Arkansas.”  She said yes. 

Ms. G. noticed the dress attire of other students in the school was much different from hers (tight pants, short skirts, etc.) culture.  “I thought we were rich; we always had food, clothing and shelter," is what she said.  She didn't understand why they were not bussed to school in the next town where African American children attended.  This took place in the early 60s, a time when most cannot forget that the country was in an upheaval. Through it all the area of Pearl City survived. Her parents would not have their children go outside the area to school when they could receive an education in the town and city in which they lived.  It reminds me of what Zora Neale Hurston quoted.  “Mama exhorted her children at every opportunity to 'jump at the sun.' We might not land on the sun, but at least we would get off the ground.”  Strive for excellence.

The family pioneers raised their children to treat everyone fairly – no one should be treated differently.  They had strong family values and wanted the best for all; hard workers, farmers, professional, and Christian people doing what they loved. Pearl City, a rare gem – rich in history, African American History.

I shared this story with someone earlier today.  The individual said, “I know someone who lived in Pearl City; ask Ms. G. If she knew a family by the name of 'Miller.'”  I did, and it came to be that the Millers and Ms. G. are cousins! 

Know your culture - Know your history

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"Like branches on a tree, our lives may grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one." 
-Author Unknown